The Head of a Veiled Goddess

Marble
Greek, Classical Period, ca. 360 BC
H. 27cm

A wonderful life size white crystalline marble head of a veiled Greek goddess, probably Demeter. Likely from a funerary bust of the type commonly found at the necropolis of Cyrene and Attica, set up on sarcophagi or niches on rock cut tombs. Her delicate, smooth face seems to look into the distance. The oval head with a full chin has a high forehead, wide eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes with sharply drawn eyelids, a straight nose and fine, closed lips. The compact- structured mass of hair with a center parting leaves the ears free. A piece of the himation is pulled over the back of the head. Apparently, a work by the hands of a master of the 4th century B.C., able to impart a Praxitelean charismatic softness. Similar heads are in the collections of great museums e.g., the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the British Museum and others.

Exhibited: Salon de Mars, Geneva, 2001

Condition: Surface in a very good condition. Slightly yellowish patina dur to burial conditions at the rear of the veil. Tip of the nose and right chin part broken off. Minor nicks to eyes and left cheek. Part of the hair mass rubbed in. Irregularly broken neck.

Provenance: Formerly with Galerie Nefer, Zurich.

Item reference: CL0193